Get a sneak peek of Waitangi ki Manukau

Get together with your friends and whānau this Waitangi Day and come along to Waitangi ki Manukau, a free event in celebration of our national day taking place on Tuesday, 6 Feb in Hayman Park, Manukau.

We chat to the Waitangi ki Manukau’s Event Director, Ataahua Papa, to get the inside word on what’s happening at Waitangi ki Manukau and some not-to-be missed highlights.

Kia ora Ata. What can we look forward to at this year’s Waitangi ki Manukau celebrations?

Kia ora! There’s so much happening at Waitangi ki Manukau this year; from the opening pōwhiri, to a great live music line-up of new talent and local favourites. Visit our Waitangi Village to have a go at arts and crafts and learn more about te Tiriti o Waitangi through fun activities for all the whānau and check out the tasty Māori and Pacific kai stalls to fill your hungry puku.

Let’s start with entertainment, who can we look forward to seeing take the stage?

We’re in for a great day with performances by Maisey Rika, whose beautiful vocals are sure to be a crowd favourite, great vibes from our wāhine DJ A Hori George aka Delicious Miss, Roots-Reggae sounds of Rootz Konekt, Cook Island rhythms from Sweet Echo and RnR Music, talented local South Auckland musicians. Kapa haka by Te Tai Tonga and Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae and the graceful poi movements from Poipoia are also not to be missed.

Are there any rising stars we should be excited to see?

Āe! Stand Up Stand Out 2017 Solo Instrumental winner Soakai Malamala with his saxophone and the lilting vocals from the awesome Tuakoi Ohia will blow you away. I’m really looking forward to seeing TONE6 perform, a group packed with vocal talent out of the SaintzUp Performing Arts Trust.

That’s a pretty cool line-up! What activities do you recommend giving a go?

For fun activities for all the whānau, head to our Waitangi Village where you can have a go at the giant rope maze and trace the path of all nine treaties sent out for signatures to learn more about Aotearoa’s founding document; or you can visit Pātai mai with Te Puni Kōkiri in the Tainui tent and they will be happy to answer any and all questions about the treaty or Māori culture and traditions.

Create your own treaty or make a mini waka then race them against your friends. Pick up a Waitangi Village Passport from the Te Wānanga o Aotearoa tent when you arrive and have it stamped each time you complete an activity!

What’s your must-see part of the day?

That’s a tough one! It’s great that this year everyone is welcome to join us for the pōwhiri, the traditional welcoming ceremony where members of the public have a special opportunity to experience this important part of Māori culture – come along early as it will kick off the celebration at 9am, then stay for the day.

So, make sure you head along to Auckland Council’s Waitangi ki Manukau this Waitangi Day for a fun day out where you can also learn more about te Tiriti o Waitangi.

If you’re looking for a Waitangi Day event closer to your area, head along to the other Waitangi Day events supported by Auckland Council, including Waitangi @ Waititi at Hoani Waititi Marae, Oratia and Waitangi Day 2018 at Okahu Bay.